Supporters Urge Boycott of Pre-Season Matches Between Kalmar HC and Nybro Vikings

Support is growing among fans for a boycott of the upcoming pre-season hockey matches between Kalmar HC and Nybro Vikings, slated for August 29 and September 7, 2025. These two teams, fierce rivals in Swedish hockey, have ignited controversy over the scheduling of these encounters, which supporters believe undermine the traditional rivalry and lack proper consultation.

Ludvig Rautio, president of the Kalmar HC supporters' group Club1968, voiced strong criticism regarding the decision to hold these matches, stating, "We feel that the club has made a wrong decision to have pre-season matches against our biggest rival. It came a bit 'out of the blue' and there was no prior discussion with us." Rautio highlighted the concern that these matches should be reserved for the official season to preserve the intensity and significance of the rivalry.

Echoing this sentiment, Hugo Karlsson, president of Vikings Support, highlighted the importance of maintaining rivalry integrity, comparing the situation to the well-known rivalry between AIK and Hammarby, which avoids pre-season matches to keep the rivalry's intensity intact. Both supporters' groups are firm in their stance, with Club1968 confirming they will not attend the matches, though individual supporters are free to make their own choices. The games are set to be broadcasted by Expressen, heightening the debate within the community about respect and traditions in Swedish hockey.